National shrine project for little arkansas national cemetery

Solicitation amended to address questions from prospective vendors.

Question 1: In B.2 Performance Work Statement, F, ii it states:

"remove the top six inches of soil and import and grade six inches of clean topsoil after turf removal but prior to new turf installation; and in one burial section the Contractor shall not remove existing soil but shall still be required to import and grade new topsoil."

There is only one section to be realigned in the statement of work. Are we to remove the six inches from Section 15A or add to the existing grade to facilitate drainage?

Answer 1:   Yes, also they can use some of the existing topsoil as long is treated and free of any debris IAW the specifications.

Question 2: During the site visit there was significant rainfall. At the top of the Section there was flooding in the street and it was flowing into the Section (see attached picture). Can the cemetery personnel address the cause of the flooding whether it is a clogged drain in the street or another cause? Once we strip the section this would cause significant damage during any rain event.

Answer 2: The cemetery staff will address this and provide us with feedback.  See response to question 1.

Question 3: The crushed rock spec that is in the RFQ (Pg. 37) is for upright stones. Usually for flat stones more of a birds-eye material is used. Can you verify the type of rock or gravel to be used for the flat headstones?

Answer 3: Crushed Rock shall consist of the product obtained by crushing rock or stone so that is meets the following gradation requirements:



Sieve Size % Passing

Particle Size

% of Passing

1/2 inch

100

3/8 inch

70 90

No. 4

50 72

No. 8

35 55

No. 40

14 32

No. 200

4.0- 10.0



The gradation of crushed rock shall comply with ASTM D-448. Sampling and sieve analysis shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D-75 and ASTM C-136.



This product and gradation was been working well for us.

Question 4: In the specs it talks about using the skid loader over the gravesites my question is Can a pick-up truck with a small dump trailer over grave sites to help removing old sod.

Answer 4: The contractor shall use construction equipment at the gravesites only.  This action is to eliminate the perception that any visitor can drive their personal vehicles to visit their loves ones gravesite.

Question 5: In the specs. talks about flat markers can be move to the next maker til R& R is done on first row of makers. So I'm ask this can a person jump over 5 row and begin a New row on R&R to keep remove going but keeping maker in same gravesite?

Answer 5: The contractor can work two or three rows at the discretion of the COR but any step/task/process will need to be verified by the COR before continuing the next step; for example: trenching and compacting the subfloor will need to be verified before backfill (aggregate) is added, etc.

Question 6: In the spec. It talk about killing old sod and tilling to remove, if I used a mini excav. With a 55" mop Bucket I can Peel the old sod right out load and remove to replace with New top soil, Is this acceptable. By doing this I would not have to kill the grass or tilling just haul off.

Answer 6: No, there is a reason why we request a total kill; sometimes they are a lot of weeds; mixed grass; unhealthy roots system, soil low in nutrients, etc.

Question 7: I was talking to a local landscape which he does work at the cemetery for you, he was saying that 15 A has a sprinkler system I cannot see in the spec. where it talks about it, or am I missing it somewhere can you please help give me with a answer on sprinkler in ground at lot 15A.

Answer 7: Drawing included as Exhibit A in this modification.

Question 8: In Section 04 01 00 / 1.3.6. It reads, Do not use D/2 Biological Solution on Granite Marker , My Suppler said it will not Damage Granite please let know if 1.3.6. stands or we can use D/2 Solution on Flat Granite marker.

Answer 8: Do not use D/2 on granite markers. Offerors can use Weather-Zyme Building and Exterior Cleaner. Product description can be found at: https://www.unitedlabsinc.com/content/pdf/label/727label.pdf

See attached RFQ 36C78618Q0148